Here's another bottom bracket wrench: the Toopre TL-221.
Unlike the Meroca wrench, this one is compatible with five types of bottom brackets.
FSA-386 (48.5-49.3/16), DUB16T (46/24), BB-9100 (39/16):
44MM (44/16), BBR-60 (40.5-41/16):
2025-09-17
2025-09-15
Kenko Soft 45/4.5: M42 adapter
The Kenko Soft 45/4.5 lens has a so-called P-mount. This simple mount has an M42x1 thread, and the flange focal distance is 55 mm.
My lens did not come with an adapter. So, I had to find a suitable one. Initially, I planned to combine two adapters, a T2-M42 and an M42-NEX, to create a hybrid adapter. Unfortunately, the parts turned out to be incompatible.
A simpler solution is to use an M42x1 extension tube. The difference in flange focal distance is 9.5 mm (55-45.5). Of course, a shorter tube can be used, but that affects the minimum focusing distance (and focusing will be above the infinity).
I found a 9mm M42x1 extension tube and added a 0.5mm shim.
It works well.
There are two drawbacks. First, the scales of the lens are oriented incorrectly in this case. Second, the outer diameter of the extension tube is small, so it's impossible to hold the tube to screw the lens in and out. Holding the lens to screw it in and out is also inconvenient due to the aperture and focusing rings.
See also related notes:
- Kenko Soft 45/4.5: 45mm soft focus lens (2025-09-03)
- Cheap T2-M42 adapter and Mosler Photoguard 35/2.8 (2023-03-21)
- Fotga Адаптеры для M42, M39, Nikon F - Sony FE/E (2022-04-05)
Image albums:
2025-09-13
Mir-26B 45/3.5: Samples [1] - FF - f/3.5
Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Mir-26B 45/3.5 at f/3.5
The blur of the out-of-focus area is interesting. However, as a 45/3.5 lens, the Mir-26B is heavy and bulky (82mm filter thread!) for an FF camera, let alone one with a smaller sensor.
See also related notes:
Image albums:
2025-09-11
Sony a7c: v2.02 firmware
My Sony a7c warns me about firmware version 2.02:
After the recent update to version 2.01, it's like a bug fix.
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Improves the operational stability of the camera
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See also related notes:
- Sony a7c: Firmware updated to v2.01 (2025-06-05)
- Sony a7c: v2.01 firmware (2025-04-19)
- Sony α7c (Alpha 7C, a7c) (2022-03-18)
Image albums:
2025-09-09
Reverse Comp seatpost
The Reverse Comp seatpost (31.6x350 mm):
Its weight is 339g.
I installed it as a replacement for the Reverse Style Lite (31.6x400 mm). The Reverse Style Lite is lighter (283g), but it has no offset, and I don't like its saddle clamp.
2025-09-07
NONS SL42 (II): MC7 x2 teleconverter
The NONS Format Extender (NFE) for the NONS SL42 (II) camera is not optimal in terms of optical quality. As an alternative, I would like to use a different 2x teleconverter.
It is a generic Pentax K (APK) version of the 2X TELEPLUS MC7 teleconverter. This teleconverter has 7 optical elements and provides rather good image quality.
To mount the MC7 teleconverter to the NONS SL42 (II), I removed the diaphragm actuator.
Again, a test with the ISCO-Göttingen Iscovitar 50/2.8 (M42x1 lens).
With the NFE. ND4 filter, f/8, 1/250:
With the MC7 teleconverter. ND4 filter, f/8, 1/250:
Unfortunately, the MC7 teleconverter is not compatible with the NONS SL42 (II). There is a significant vignetting. It's frustrating because the MC7 teleconverter, at least, has much less chromatic aberration. This difference is very noticeable in the scans.
See also related notes:
- NONS SL42 (II): NFE, Pentax K lenses (2025-08-25)
- NONS SL42 (II): "Instax Mini" SLR camera (2025-05-27)
- ISCO Iscovitar 50/2.8 (M42x1/45.5): Triplet with simple focusing mechanism (2024-05-21)
Image albums:
2025-09-05
Pentax Q 07 11.5/9 Mount Shield Lens: Samples [1] - 1/2.3" - f/9
Camera: Pentax Q (1/2.3", 12MP)
Lens: Pentax Q 07 11.5/9 Mount Shield Lens (f/9 only)
The lens has a fixed focus, it is set at approximately 1 to 1.5 meters (at least my copy). Therefore, the lens is definitely not for landscapes.
There is also a significant loss of sharpness off-center. This creates a nice effect that compensates for the large depth of field.
The shutter speed limit is 1/100 when the ISO increases (for Auto-ISO). Together with f/9, a considerable amount of light is required to capture noise-free images. I noticed the same problem with the Pentax Q 05 18/8 Toy Lens Telephoto.
See also related notes:
- Pentax Q 07 11.5/9 Mount Shield Lens (2025-08-21)
- Pentax Q 05 18/8 Toy Lens Telephoto (2025-07-05)
Image albums:
2025-09-03
Kenko Soft 45/4.5: 45mm soft focus lens
This is my other soft focus lens.
It is the Kenko MC Soft 45mm 1:4.5.
While it's not as rare as the Kiyohara Soft VK70R, I like that it has a wider angle of view.
The Kenko Soft 45/4.5 has 2 optical elements in 1 group. There is also a built-in protective element in front of the aperture.
The aperture has 10 blades:
The clickless aperture ring goes from f/4.5 to f/22. The filter thread is 52mm.
Information about the T[2]-mount of the Kenko Soft 45/4.5 is incorrect. The Kenko Soft 45/4.5 has a so-called P-mount (M42x1/55). It is an "intermediate" mount between the T[2]-mount (M42x0.75/55) and the M42x1/45.5 mount. Despite its M42x1 thread, the flange focal distance is 55 mm, similar to the T[2]-mount.
Unfortunately, my copy of the lens did not come with an adapter. I had to find one before I could start using the lens.
2025-09-01
Maxxis 27.5x1.75/2.4 tubes
Maxxis 27.5x1.75/2.4 bike inner tubes.
Since they are "welterweight", each tube weighs 199g (without packaging).
2025-08-29
Zenit-3M: M39x1/45.2 SLR
The Zenit-3M (Зенит-3М/Zenith-3M) is one of the M39x1/45.2 film SLR cameras.
The M39x1/45.2 is a lens mount that was developed in the USSR. However, it never gained popularity and was replaced by the more famous M42x1/45.5 mount.
One useful application of M39x1/45.2 cameras is their limited compatibility with Braun [Super] Paxette II M39x1/44 lenses. However, not all Paxette lenses can be mounted due to the presence of a mirror. Even if a lens can be mounted, the larger flange focal distance (45.2mm vs 44mm) prevents focusing on distant objects. Nevertheless, even these limited features can be useful in certain situations.
I prefer the back-door film loading of the Zenit-3M to the bottom-loading design of the Zenit, Zenit-S, and Zenit-3 cameras. Unlike the Zenit-E, the Zenit-3M's mirror does not have an instant return. This design makes it safer to check the fitting of a Paxette lens. These are the reasons why I chose the Zenit-3M.
See also related notes:
- M39x1/45.2 film SLR cameras (2024-08-17)
- M39x1/44: Braun [Super] Paxette II lens mount (2023-09-20)
- Использование объективов M39x1 на цифровых камерах (2022-05-18)
Image albums:
2025-08-27
Fish-eyes: Risespray 11/2.8 (FF) vs Pentax Q 03 3.2/5.6 (1/2.3")
I now have two fish-eye lenses: the Pentax Q 03 3.2/5.6 (Pentax Q mount) and the Risespray 11/2.8 (Sony FE mount).
And I compared the angle of view of these lenses. The Risespray (at f/2.8) was mounted on the Sony a7c (FF), the Pentax Q 03 (at f/5.6) was mounted on the Pentax Q (1/2.3").
1.
(Risespray)
(Pentax Q 03)
2.
(Risespray)
(Pentax Q 03)
3.
(Risespray)
(Pentax Q 03)
As expected, the angle of view of the Pentax Q 03 is not as wide as that of the Risespray 11/2.8. The vertical angle is smaller, too, despite the Pentax Q's 4:3 aspect ratio.
See also related notes:
- Pentax Q 03 3.2/5.6 Fish-eye (2025-05-23)
- Risespray 11/2.8 Fisheye (for full-frame mirrorless cameras) (2023-08-14)
Image albums:
2025-08-25
NONS SL42 (II): NFE, Pentax K lenses
The NONS SL42 (II) camera is very demanding of a lens. Even with a large coverage, it is most likely not enough to take a picture without vignetting due to the shutter limitation. I demonstrated this with Pentacon Six lenses.
The NONS Format Extender (NFE) is included to solve this problem. It is a ~2x teleconverter (EF mount to EF mount) specially designed to work with the camera.
For example, the ISCO-Göttingen Iscovitar 50/2.8 (M42x1 lens).
Without the NFE. ND4 filter, f/16, 1/250:
With the NFE. ND4 filter, f/8, 1/250:
My measurements show that the NFE provides a 1.89x magnification. The NFE decreases the intensity of the light (by about -2EV). Overall, the NFE degrades image quality. At least, I see higher chromatic aberrations. The NFE has only 3 optical elements.
Another question concerns using lenses with a Pentax K mount. Official information:
===
PK lens is only available for mounting on NONS format extender (lens + PK adapter + NFE + SL42). Since the aperture lever of PK lens will interfere with shutter module, it CANNOT mount on camera body (lens + PK adapter + SL42).
===
The second part of the statement is correct. The diaphragm actuator of a lens does not allow the lens to be mounted on the camera (with a Pentax K-Canon EF adapter).
However, the first part of the statement is incorrect. For the same reason, it is impossible to mount such a lens on the NFE. To solve this problem, I took apart the NFE and removed the front plate.
After modifying the NFE, it is possible to mount Pentax K lenses on it (with a Pentax K-Canon EF adapter). And putting the front plate back is much simpler than removing it.
2025-08-23
Ricoh GR IV announced
The Ricoh GR IV has been announced.
Overall, I like the Ricoh GR series. The GR IV is a nice evolution, and I don't mind the lack of a flash or viewfinder. However, dust on the sensor is an annoying issue. Unfortunately, there are no significant changes to address this problem (yes, I know about the different sensor coating and the thinner lens barrel).
2025-08-21
Pentax Q 07 11.5/9 Mount Shield Lens
I found it.
The Pentax Q 07 Mount Shield Lens (11.5mm f/9) is the final lens in the so-called "Unique Lenses" series for Pentax Q cameras. I already have the Q 03 Fish-eye, the Q 04 Toy Lens Wide, the Q 05 Toy Lens Telephoto.
The Q 07 is an extremely small lens. It is smaller than its rear cap. Moreover, the lens can be used as a replacement of a body cap. That's why it is called the "Mount Shield Lens."
On the Pentax Q (1/2.3"), it is equivalent to a 64mm lens.
It is an electronic lens. It lacks a built-in leaf shutter and aperture control. Therefore, it behaves similarly to that of a manual focus lens with an adapter, with a few exceptions. First, a Pentax Q camera saves EXIF data with lens information (including the permanent f/9 aperture value). Second, a Pentax Q camera recognizes the focal length (11.5mm) for the sensor-shift image stabilization (SR). Third, since the lens lacks a focusing mechanism, it is neither an autofocus nor a manual focus.
The lens has 1 elements in 1 groups. Together with the focus-free design, it produces very specific images. In my opinion, the image quality is the worst in the "Unique Lenses" series. And at the same time, since you don't need to focus, the lens is the most fun to use (for me).
The Pentax Q 07, the Viltrox AF 28/4.5 FE (FF), the Samsung NX 30/2 (APS-C):
See also related notes:
Image albums:
2025-08-19
Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar 80/4: Samples [1] - FF - f/4
Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar 80/4 at f/4
The sharpness and contrast are better than expected for such an old uncoated triplet lens. Note that the triplet "soap bubbles" are almost absent.
See also related notes:
Image albums:
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